FuelCellsWorks

Hydrogen offers great promise as a major contributor to our nation’s clean energy portfolio.  While abundant on Earth, hydrogen is almost always found in combination with other elements, such as with oxygen (in water) and carbon (in plant matter). Pure hydrogen must be produced from hydrogen-containing compounds.

One of the cleanest ways to produce hydrogen is to use sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The solar-powered photoelectrochemical (PEC) process uses semiconductors immersed in an aqueous electrolyte (solution that conducts electricity) to split water.

While the PEC process is promising, no single semiconductor material meets the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 2013 goal of 8% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency and 1,000-hour durability. Metal oxides are stable, but not very efficient. On the other hand, highly efficient semiconductor materials have been hampered by their instability in aqueous environments.

Recent experiments by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researcher Heli Wang, however, mark a significant step forward for this hydrogen-production technology.

Wang’s experiments build on decades of research and collaboration in this arena. NREL researchers have been working to improve the durability of photovoltaic cells for PEC hydrogen production for quite some time. In 1998, NREL’s John Turner developed a record-breaking tandem photovoltaic cell (made of gallium-indium-phosphide/gallium-arsenide) with an impressive 12.4% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency. Unfortunately, the tandem cell demonstrated a functional lifespan of about 24 hours. Since then, research has focused on identifying materials and systems that are durable and stable against corrosion in aqueous environments.

The original aqueous solution used in the tandem cell contained sulfuric acid. As an alternative electrolyte, Wang employed a nitrate solution in which the semiconductor suffered significantly less corrosion.  In fact, one sample showed virtually no damage after a 24-hour test.

“This research represents a major step toward achieving DOE’s efficiency and durability goals,” Wang says. “To fully understand why the nitrate solution inhibited the corrosion of the semiconductor, future experimental and theoretical work will focus on identifying the inhibition mechanism. This will help us further extend the durability of the semiconductors.”

Adaptive Materials was recently awarded a $3 million contract to provide 60-watt fuel cell systems to the United States Air Force.  Over the next 19 months, Adaptive Materials will develop, evaluate and manufacture 60-watt solid oxide fuel cells, ultimately delivering a significant number of fuel cells for use by the Air Force.

“Over the last 10 years, Adaptive Materials has been a leader in the development and delivery of portable, lightweight, and safe fuel cells to the U.S. military, and we continue to drive the innovation of fuel cell technology,” said chief business officer Michelle Crumm.  “Adaptive Materials fuel cells provide the convenience, durability and reliability that is redefining how our military meets the power needs of soldiers in the field.  We are confident that procurement of Adaptive Materials’ fuel cells for widespread military use is the next step in our evolution.”

The driving impetus behind Adaptive Materials work with the United States Air Force is to determine the feasibility of fuel cells to power communications, surveillance and other technologies for soldiers in the field.  The fuel cells developed by Adaptive Materials will meet power needs that are not currently available through either in-house military procedures or under existing contracts.

Specifically, Adaptive Materials will focus on fuel cell ruggedization, reliability, power density and startup time throughout the development of its 60-watt systems for the United States Air Force.  The propane-powered fuel cells delivered to the United States Air Force by Adaptive Materials will be designed with a 72-hour mission in mind.

Adaptive Materials will begin delivery of 60-watt fuel cells to the United States Air Force for testing at the end of 2010.

About Adaptive Materials, Inc.

Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adaptive Materials, Inc. is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system.  The company offers 50, 150 and 250-watt fuel cell systems that are powered by globally available and power dense propane, butane and LPG.  Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including leisure, remote monitoring, and medical devices.  For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com.

Santa Fe, New Mexico –Jetstream Wind, Inc., a developer of breakthrough energy technology and milestone producer in the renewable energy industry, combines efforts and creates Remote Renewable Resources, LLC as a way to develop and generate clean, reliable and cost-effective power to remote and off-grid locations worldwide.

Remote Renewable Resources, a sister corporation to Jetstream Wind, Inc. was formed in October of 2009, by Henry Herman, CEO of Jetstream Wind, Inc., Jeane Champion of She’s Crafty Craft Services and Michael Bowen, Sr. Loan Officer of Superior Mortgage as a dynamic alliance to further integrate clean renewable energy into our society. The initial project of this alliance, appropriately named “Climate Kitchen”, will combine renewable hydrogen production as a stand-alone power source, and a 35’ Freightliner truck to produce a historic step for the renewable energy and motion picture industry while revolutionizing the way we look at hydrogen as a power producer.

Climate Kitchen was chosen as the initial project to showcase a self-contained vehicle with the full capacity to produce and provide fresh, delicious food on location as if the Climate Kitchen were plugged into the grid. Yet it uses state-of-the-art, constant and cost-effective hydrogen power production methods which do not require grid access.

As film production in New Mexico is on the increase, the numbers of films shot on location are also rising along with the power requirements supplied by fossil fuel burning generators. According to Ann Lerner, Film Liaison for the City of Albuquerque, “A tremendous amount of industry infrastructure is now located in Albuquerque, and according to Variety Magazine, New Mexico is now ranked third in North America for T.V. and film production. This technology is an important step for not only the New Mexico film industry, but for our global future.”

From within a small area inside the catering truck, hydrogen will be safely produced, compressed, stored and burned in an internal hydrogen turbine to deliver stable and 100% CO²-free electric power. While the water molecule is separated to create hydrogen for electrical power, oxygen will also be safely produced and stored providing this truck with potential and popular oxygen bar therapy. This will make the “Climate Kitchen” on wheels the first clean, highly economical craft service truck and stand-along power source in the New Mexico film industry.

Plans are also already underway for the development and use of this revolutionary technology in global humanitarian crises situations where devastation or population displacement has occurred, as this technology can provide secure and remote clean electricity, food and water to those in need.

The Climate Kitchen is currently in development at the Jetstream Wind, Inc. headquarters in Santa Fe, New Mexico and is scheduled for completion in March of 2010 where an invitational unveiling will take place.

Based in Santa Fe, NM Jetstream Wind Inc. is an emerging leader in the renewable energy industry, specializing in the integration and development of proprietary renewable technologies that maximize economic and environmental potentials. To learn more please visit our website at http://www.jetstreamwind.com